Did you know that in the U.S. type 2 (adult onset) diabetes affects a staggering 29 million people?

According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes causes some nasty complications such as:

• strokes,
• heart attacks,
• amputations,
• kidney failure and even blindness.

To state the obvious, sounds like diabetes is something to avoid, right?

How can we prevent or even reverse diabetes?

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent and even reverse diabetes.

For instance, getting more physically active and then making simple changes in

what your diet?

Will talk about what to eat in a minute, but first, let’s look at 3 signs to look out for.

3 signs of diabetes to look out for:

• Polyuria - the need to frequently urinate, particularly at night
• Polydipsia - increased thirst & need for fluids
• Polyphagia - an increased appetite

Some signs of diabetes occur together

Interestingly, symptoms such as frequent urination and extreme thirst often come together.

And these symptoms could occur with other symptoms such as:

• tiredness and
• blurred vision.

NOTE: - If you recognize these symptoms, please see your doctor for a diabetes test.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood

Urgent: if you recognize the symptoms above in a child, this could mean type 1 diabetes, which is quite serious.

In other words, if you see the above symptoms in your child, please get the child to a doctor for testing.

A major key to both prevention and reversal of type 2 diabetes

Dump the junk!

Of course, I’m referring to packaged, highly processed junk food. The junky, packaged food with a mile-long list of unpronounceable ingredients.

 And don’t be fooled by the “health” claims festooning the package.

Best-selling author, Michael Moss warns us to especially avoid junk food with outrageous package health claims.

For instance, “heart-healthy" chips.

C’mon! On what planet can packaged chips be good for the body in any way?

Look, when it comes to preventing or reversing diabetes, what you eat, and how active you are, can make all the difference. 

Since packaged processed food is filled with ingredients that promote diseases like diabetes, it’s easy to be motivated to take a healthier path.

Don’t you see?

This is why diabetes is so common.

 It's all the modern, convenience food we think we cannot live without.

 Makes sense?

So, here is a very short list of items you need to stop buying:

1. - Frozen dinners,
2. - Desserts like packaged cakes,
3. - Packaged cookies,
4. - Packaged crackers,
5. - Any kind of packaged chips,
6. - Most store-bought bread,
7. - Instant foods like potatoes,
8. - Boxed cereals,
9. - Any kind of health bar,
10. - Candy,
11. - You get the idea!

Check out the Mediterranean Diet to find out what is most beneficial to remain healthy. 

Benefits of Olive Oil and Diabetes

According to this article, "Extra virgin olive oil is a super fat because it provides anti-inflammatory and glucose stabilization benefits, both of which are beneficial to people with Type 2 diabetes.

In addition, extra virgin olive oil is a super fat because it contains phytonutrients called polyphenols, which are well-known to have anti-inflammatory properties., which provides health benefits to people with systemic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol."

A little planning ahead

Look, I don’t want to be a downer here…

We all want and need food that is fast and easy.

But highly processed packaged or even the typical drive-through food is scientifically designed to hook you and destroy your metabolism.

And preparing your own healthy meals at home is actually pretty fast and easy when you do a little planning ahead.

Make your own meals in your own kitchen to stay healthy!

What many people don’t realize is that preparing your own healthy meals can be some of the fastest fast food you can find.

To start making homemade meals at home is a simple matter of a little planning, and some tips and tricks anyone can do.

Extra virgin olive oil is a super fat because it provides anti-inflammatory and glucose stabilization benefits, both of which are beneficial to people with Type 2 diabetes.

In addition, extra virgin olive oil is a super fat because it contains phytonutrients called polyphenols, which are well-known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Coming up next time

Stay tuned for the next blog about a delicious sheet pan recipe that takes only 5-10 minutes to prepare.

You’ll need veggies, salmon filets, and of course, the one disease preventing must-have olive oil!

Until next time,

Kathy